KTM has announced a significant price increase for the 390 Duke, with the model now commanding an additional Rs 40,000. The KTM 390 Duke, which was previously priced at Rs 2.99 lakh, now costs Rs 3.39 lakh. This substantial bump in the ex-showroom Delhi pricing is poised to shift the dynamics of the mid-capacity streetfighter market. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of why this happened and what it means for buyers.
Why Hike?
The primary driver behind this sudden price revision is a change in how Bajaj is handling recent tax updates. Last September, an increased 40 percent GST rate was announced for motorcycles above 350cc. At the time, Bajaj made the decision to absorb the additional tax burden for affected KTM bikes instead of passing it on to customers.
However, Bajaj has now decided to stop absorbing these GST-related costs. The move to no longer cover the cost difference has resulted directly in the Rs 40,000 expected price revision for the consumer.
Duke 390 Competition
When the increased tax bracket was initially implemented, Bajaj’s choice to absorb the costs allowed the KTM 390 range to maintain its pricing against competitors that increased prices almost immediately. Now that the protective buffer is gone, the market positioning has shifted.
The KTM 390 Duke is now Rs 1.22 lakh more expensive than the 250 Duke. Furthermore, the price increase for the current 390 Duke will potentially widen the gap with the upcoming sub-350 Duke when it officially launches.
What is new in 2026 KTM Duke 390?
The current standard variant of the KTM 390 Duke continues to run on petrol and boasts a maximum power of 45hp alongside a maximum torque of 39Nm. In terms of features, it comes equipped with an LED brake and tail light, a pass-light switch, and Supermoto ABS.
The biggest news regarding the 2026 lineup, however, is what is happening beneath the fairings to combat the recent tax hikes. Bajaj is currently working on downsizing the 399cc single-cylinder engine to fit under the 350cc threshold. This strategic move is designed to benefit from the lower 18 percent GST rate, similar to what the brand achieved with the new Triumph 400 range.
Reports suggest that Bajaj will continue to sell both the 399cc and 350cc versions of the Duke side by side, at least initially. Time will tell how long the 390 Duke will continue in its current guise in the market if the smaller-capacity version can provide comparable levels of performance.
It is also worth noting that the KTM 390 Adventure X has seen a similar increment since the revised GST rates were announced. While there is no official word yet on when the remaining 390 models like the RC 390 and 390 Enduro will see similar revisions, it is safe to assume those updates are on the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new ex-showroom price of the KTM 390 Duke? The KTM 390 Duke price has increased to Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Why did the KTM 390 Duke get so much more expensive? Bajaj previously absorbed the 40 percent GST rate applied to motorcycles over 350cc. They have now decided to stop absorbing these costs, passing the Rs 40,000 tax burden onto the buyer.
Will other KTM 390 models see a price hike? The KTM 390 Adventure X has already seen a similar increment, and it is safe to assume that revisions for the RC 390 and 390 Enduro are on the way.
Is KTM launching a smaller version of the Duke? Yes, KTM is working on sub-350cc models by downsizing the 399cc single-cylinder engine to benefit from the lower 18 percent GST rate.
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